AOP ratchets up legal defence for members

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has increased its fighting fund to cope with the costs of litigation.

The AOP Annual Report 2011 revealed its strategic defence reserve would be increased from £250,000 to £300,000 for the coming year.

This will underpin the AOP's ability to conduct expensive judicial reviews and conduct costly legal proceedings on its members' behalf.

In the report's introduction, the chairman and chief executive say too many primary care trust (PCT) officials think they can interpret regulations as they please and impose restrictions on practitioners.

The report warns PCTs and health boards that the AOP intends to fight its corner for the profession.